After my cycling escapades in Amsterdam, I was determined to continue riding a bike after we’d moved back to the UK. But the limited number of cycle lanes in my neighbourhood, coupled with the fact that I’m lazy, meant that it has taken me the best part of a year to get back in (or should that be on?) the saddle.
Armed with my women’s suspension bike and dorky helmet, I’ve been trying to get out and about in my home city. And despite my initial lack of enthusiasm, there are actually a lot more routes and scenic parks for cycling than I would have thought. Here are some of the best cycling routes in Manchester and the surrounding areas.
Dedicated Regional and National Cycling Routes
Trans-Pennine Trail
Photo credit: Phil Champion
This is technically one long cycling trail that runs for 213 miles from coast-to-coast, starting in Southport and ending in Hornsea, but the Manchester section of the route covers some scenic sections of the Mersey Valley through Chorlton, Northenden and Didsbury.
Fallowfield Loop
Photo credit: Ivanevian
This is an off-road cycling, walking and horse-riding path that runs from Chorlton to Fallowfield, Levenshulme and Gorton. Spanning 8 miles, it is one of the longest urban cycleways in Britain, and it skirts parks and wildlife areas.
Manchester Airport Orbital Cycleway
Photo credit: Rod Allday
Circling Manchester Airport in an 8-mile loop, this path is mainly off-road and is perfect for aviation nerds who love to watch the planes taking off from the airport.
Rochdale Canal
Photo credit: David Dixon
This is the shortest of these national cycling routes at only 3 miles long, but it is also one of the most historic. Passing mills, meadows and parks, the route begins at Piccadilly Station and ends in Newton Heath, the original birthplace of Manchester United.
Rivers and Waterways
Ashton Canal
Photo Credit: Clem Rutter
Following the towpath alongside the Ashton Canal, cyclists can enjoy a 6-mile ride past the Etihad Stadium, Manchester Velodrome, and Philips Park, before ending at the point where the canal meets the Huddersfield Narrow Canal in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Chorlton Water Park
The well-maintained path that circles this large lake is only 1 mile long, but is perfect for a nice, easy weekend cycle for families or those that enjoy birdwatching.
River Irwell
Technically this cycle route runs from Manchester to Bury, starting at Oxford Road in the city centre, but it joins the River Irwell and encompasses a scenic off-road section of path near Clifton and Pendlebury. Those wanting to complete the full 10-mile route can continue around Elton Reservoir and end in Bury town centre.
Parks and Gardens
Heaton Park
Photo credit: Rachel Docherty
As the largest park in Manchester (and one of the largest in Europe), Heaton Park was always going to be a scenic, leafy place to enjoy a bike ride. The park covers 600 acres, and when you’re tired of cycling, there’s a farm, a boating lake and an 18-hole golf course to keep you busy.
Stalybridge Country Park
Photo credit: David Dixon
Two major trails, the Pennine Bridleway and the Tame Valley Way, both pass through this park, which is crossed by flat, well-surfaced paths and offers wonderful views of the Pennine Moors.
Prestwich Forest Park
This park spans 3 miles and includes some wonderful woodland trails. Cyclists can enjoy a waterside path that runs alongside the River Irwell, in addition to the mountain bike track at Philips Park, located at the western end of the forest.
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